Montefiore Health System in the Bronx has recently received a significant boost in funding to enhance its maternal health programs. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has granted Montefiore $5.4 million to support maternal health and social services for Bronx families through its Bronx Healthy Start Partnership. This grant will specifically fund a group prenatal care program called CenteringPregnancy, which will be available at three Montefiore locations, providing expectant mothers with the opportunity to engage with medical providers and their peers.
The CenteringPregnancy program offers expectant moms a comprehensive approach to prenatal care, focusing on self-care, stress management techniques, information on the delivery process, breastfeeding, and infant care. Participants also benefit from spending additional time with healthcare providers for prenatal check-ups. This holistic approach aims to empower women with the knowledge and support they need to have a healthy pregnancy and prepare for parenthood.
Alma Idehen, co-director of the Bronx Healthy Start Partnership at Einstein and Principal Associate in the Department of Family and Social Medicine at Montefiore, expressed excitement about the grant renewal and the opportunity to launch new initiatives. She highlighted the importance of increasing face time with medical providers and building meaningful relationships with peers, especially for families with complex needs.
One Bronx resident, Ivonne, shared her positive experience with the Bronx Healthy Start Partnership, emphasizing the support she received as a first-time mom. From educational workshops to stress management techniques like guided meditation, Ivonne found the program to be a valuable resource in her journey to becoming a healthy and prepared parent. The Bronx Healthy Start Partnership aims to address critical issues affecting Bronx families, such as poor maternal health, low infant birth rates, and prematurity.
The Bronx Healthy Start Partnership has been instrumental in organizing discussions among patients, elected officials, experts, and the community to address infant and maternal mortality in the Bronx. The infant mortality rate in Bronx County is higher than the city and state averages, with disparities further pronounced at the neighborhood level. The Bronx Healthy Start Program has targeted specific Community Districts with high infant mortality rates, aiming to reduce these numbers through targeted interventions and support services.
In addition to the grant for maternal health programs, Montefiore has also prioritized prenatal and maternal care at its hospitals. Montefiore Einstein’s Weiler Campus recently received re-designation as a Baby-Friendly Hospital, recognizing its commitment to providing top-notch care to breastfeeding mothers and babies. This designation reflects Montefiore’s dedication to promoting optimal maternal and infant health outcomes.
Paula Ferrante, a Registered Nurse and lactation consultant with over 30 years of experience at Montefiore in the Bronx, shared insights into the rigorous process of achieving the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation. She emphasized the importance of a cultural shift towards promoting breastfeeding and providing comprehensive support to new mothers. Montefiore’s commitment to enhancing maternal and infant care is evident through initiatives like the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation and the ongoing efforts to improve maternal health outcomes in the Bronx.
Expectant mothers in the Bronx seeking hospitals recognized for their enhanced maternal and infant care can visit Baby Friendly USA to find designated hospitals near them. Montefiore’s continued focus on maternal health and social services underscores its commitment to supporting Bronx families and improving maternal and infant health outcomes in the community.
Impact of the Grant on Maternal Health Programs
The $5.4 million grant from HRSA will have a significant impact on Montefiore’s maternal health programs in the Bronx. The funding will support the expansion of the CenteringPregnancy program, providing expectant mothers with access to comprehensive prenatal care and support services. By increasing face time with medical providers and peers, the program aims to empower women with the knowledge and resources they need to have a healthy pregnancy and prepare for parenthood.
Addressing Disparities in Maternal and Infant Health
The Bronx Healthy Start Partnership plays a crucial role in addressing disparities in maternal and infant health in the Bronx. By targeting specific Community Districts with high infant mortality rates, the program aims to reduce these numbers through targeted interventions and support services. The partnership’s focus on poor maternal health, low infant birth rates, and prematurity highlights its commitment to improving health outcomes for Bronx families.
Commitment to Maternal and Infant Care
Montefiore’s dedication to prenatal and maternal care is evident through initiatives like the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation and ongoing efforts to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. By providing top-notch care to breastfeeding mothers and babies, Montefiore is setting a standard for maternal and infant care in the Bronx. The hospital system’s commitment to promoting optimal health outcomes for mothers and babies reflects its mission to support Bronx families and improve community health.